Nissan Motor (GB) is implementing a business planning and quality department programme to support its dealer network through the economic downturn.

Supported by a field based team from APD Group, Richard Clark, manager of the new department for Nissan, said: “The main drivers behind the new programme are the economic climate and the need for dealers to understand, and be prepared for, the ambitious programme of new model launches.

“The purpose of the new function is to provide the dealers with in-depth support in operational and financial performance. This is being carried out through an in-depth financial and operational diagnostic driven primarily by the composite reporting structure and the use of a high level business planning tool which will ensure alignment of the dealer and Nissan’s business plans.”

Clark is supported by three field based managers and the team of business management consultants from APD Group who will be visiting Nissan dealers and working with them to develop mid-term business plans to ensure they stay viable and profitable, but also highlight areas where short, medium and long term opportunities for increased business, improvement in processes, or structural or reporting changes will have a positive impact on their business.

APD Group is a specialist company providing business management, research and development, training and consultancy to the automotive, aviation, marine and leisure markets.